As a lifelong fan of the Dragon Ball series, I’ve followed Goku’s journey since the 1990s, from his childhood adventures in search of the Dragon Balls to his universe-shaking battles in Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super.
With each new chapter, the late Akira Toriyama infused his work with a perfect blend of humour, action, and emotion, creating a legacy that would forever shape the world of anime and manga.
When news of Dragon Ball DAIMA emerged as Toriyama’s final gift to the franchise, I, like many, felt both excitement and uncertainty. Could it truly honour his monumental legacy? To my delight, Dragon Ball DAIMA not only lived up to the hype but surpassed it.
It took familiar territory and reshaped it, blending nostalgia with bold new storytelling. This series, Toriyama’s heartfelt farewell, invites fans to experience the magic of Dragon Ball once more.
A ‘BUU’-TIFUL TWIST
Dragon Ball DAIMA opens with a shocking twist: Goku, Vegeta, and the rest of the Z-fighters are mysteriously transformed into children following the Majin Buu saga. This shift in dynamic forces the characters to rely on more than just brute strength – ingenuity, teamwork and adaptability take centre stage.
Toriyama uses this transformation to explore the characters in fresh, poignant and often humorous ways, allowing them to face challenges through a new lens.
The story leads us to the demon realm, a dark and enigmatic dimension ruled by the cunning King Gomah. His villainy, reminiscent of King Pilaf, adds a layer of comedy to the otherwise tense atmosphere.
Gomah’s plan to keep the Z-fighters out of the demon realm backfires when he turns them into children, inadvertently sending them straight into his domain.
With Goku and his trusty Nyoi-bo, the group must battle the Tamagami – an ancient race guarding the demon realm’s Dragon Balls that hold the power to restore their adult forms.
As they face both formidable foes and their own limitations, the stakes extend beyond survival, delving into identity, legacy, and the enduring bonds that have defined the saga.
Dragon Ball DAIMA strikes a perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation. King Gomah’s antics immediately evoke memories of Goku’s early adventures, while the demon realm’s eerie beauty and Piccolo’s journey through it bring a new layer of mystery and depth. These callbacks blend the old and new, making Dragon Ball DAIMA feel like both a fresh chapter and a heartfelt tribute to the series’ legacy.
SLAPSTICK MEETS HIGH STAKES
From thrilling battles to unexpected character developments, the show is packed with unforgettable moments. The Z-fighters’ battles with the Tamagami showcase Toriyama’s ability to create combat that’s not just visual spectacle, but also strategically rich.
Every fight highlights the evolution of these characters – not only as warriors but as individuals. One of the standout moments comes when Vegeta, in his childlike form, unlocks Super Saiyan 3. Watching the Prince of Saiyans grapple with such immense power in a tiny body adds complexity to his character, proving there’s always untapped potential in this series. It’s an exciting reminder of the depth Dragon Ball continues to offer.
Kai-Shin (or Nahare) also takes centre stage, with Dragon Ball DAIMA offering a much-needed deeper exploration of his origins. In Dragon Ball Z, his backstory was rushed, but here, Toriyama provides emotional depth and nuance, making Nahare a compelling, multifaceted character whose struggles parallel those of the Z-fighters. Piccolo’s journey through the demon realm is another highlight.
For fans interested in his Namekian heritage, this arc offers long-awaited insights, especially through Neva, an original Namekian. The revelations about Piccolo’s origins enrich his character, adding emotional weight to an already impactful story.
And then there are the new characters – Princess Panzy, a feisty young version of Bulma, mixes bratty charm with a brilliant mind, while Glorio, reminiscent of the time-travelled Trunks, is strong yet reserved, adding depth as the mature voice in the group.
At its core, Dragon Ball DAIMA keeps the comedic spirit and heart that have always defined the series. Toriyama’s comedic genius shines through, with slapstick humour and witty banter lightening the mood.
Goku’s innocent enthusiasm and Majin Kuu and Majin Duu’s well-meaning chaos bring laugh-out-loud moments that remind us of the carefree tone of early Dragon Ball.
One particularly memorable scene has the Z-fighters attempting to blend in with the demon realm’s quirky inhabitants.
Goku’s naivety and Vegeta’s simmering frustration create a dynamic that’s unmistakably Toriyama, offering a delightful contrast to the intense action and highlighting the camaraderie that’s always been at the heart of the series.
DEMON REALM, DEEPER BONDS
While Dragon Ball Super expanded the universe with multiversal threats and god-like battles, it occasionally lost the intimate, character-driven focus of earlier arcs.
With Dragon Ball DAIMA, Toriyama returns to the series’ heart, crafting a story that feels both epic and deeply personal. By exploring the demon realm’s unique challenges, the series brings fresh energy, while keeping the spotlight on character growth and relationships – an approach that elevates the franchise.
For long-time fans of Goku, Dragon Ball DAIMA is a must-watch. It honours the legacy of the series, blending nostalgia with exciting innovation. Full of humour, heart and spectacular battles, it also dives deeper into what makes Dragon Ball timeless – courage, friendship and the pursuit of strength.
Whether you’re a veteran or a newcomer, Dragon Ball DAIMA promises laughter, thrills and emotional moments. It’s a fitting conclusion to Toriyama’s remarkable career, offering a final masterpiece that celebrates everything fans adore about the universe. So, grab a senzu, power up and dive in – it’s not just a new chapter, it’s a celebration of everything that makes Dragon Ball legendary. – Nadzirah Malek-Webb
